Richards Won't Run For Governor

Frankfort, KY – House Speaker Jody Richards says he won't be a gubernatorial candidate to challenge Governor Ernie Fletcher in 2007. The 67 year old Richards had sought the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2003. He told reporters Monday he plans to focus his attention on being Speaker of the House. The long-time House speaker lost the Democratic nomination in the 2003 primary election to then attorney general Ben Chandler. Bruce Lunsford, another candidate for the Democratic nomination in that race, withdrew as a candidate and supported Richards. Richards said recent speculation that he would make another attempt at the Governor's office fueled his announcement.